Lost in translation? Water efficiency in Spanish agriculture

This paper re-visits the concept of water efficiency applied to Spanish agriculture and assesses how this technical concept is sometimes lost in translation when applied at different spatial scales. The paper traces the historical dominance of irrigated agriculture in Spanish water policy. It analyses the water efficiency concept at the macro level, by evaluating recent national policy initiatives and public investment programmes over the last decade to modernise irrigation, which anticipated large water savings. “Water efficiency” is then framed in its socio-political context, by looking at debates and discussions over the past, current and future role of irrigation, key evaluation criteria and objectives for large scale irrigation modernisation plans, what are the links to water rights and allocation, benefits and beneficiaries from water savings and important unanticipated consequences and co-benefits in modernisation, and the reform of agricultural policies. Finally it identifies the central role played at national, European and global levels by agricultural (and energy) policies as key external drivers for the long term viability of modern irrigation on social, environmental and economic-productivity terms.

► We analyze public investment in irrigation modernization in Spain to achieve water efficiency and savings.
► We identify no clear ex-ante criteria for funding allocation or ex-post analysis on water savings.
► We confirm positive outcomes in modernizing technology, securing agricultural water use, improved farmer quality of life and increased water productivity.
► Efficiency gains at plot level are not necessarily reflected on water savings at catchment level, and might indicate irrigation intensification.
► Major unintended consequences relate to to increased energy use and linkages with European agricultural policy.